In recent media, you may have seen headlines of a controversial Stanford University studyon organics which claimed that organically grown foods offer no real health benefit over conventionally grown foods in terms of nutrition. The organic vs. non-organic debate has replayed in the media time and time again, posing questions about the health value and extra cost of organic produce. If you’ve ever heard us speak about the importance of reducing toxin exposure by choosing organically grown produce and free-range meats, then you already know how we feel about the conclusions of the Stanford University study; we politely disagree.

THE FINDINGS

While the overall conclusion in the Stanford study was that their research lacks strong evidence that natural and organic foods are significantly more nutritious than conventionally grown foods, there were two findings that reaffirm Vital Plan’s favorable opinion of eating organic. The study showed that organically food contained 30% fewer pesticides and 33% fewer antibiotic resistant bacteria compared to conventionally grown foods. Researchers also found that children with a natural and organic foods diet had lower amounts of pesticides in their urine than children eating a non-organic diet. These findings are especially reassuring because childhood disorders like autism and ADHD are health problems associated with pesticide exposure.

WHY CHOOSE ORGANIC

The steady rise in the types and concentrations of toxins in our food over the past fifty years is concerning. The primary culprits for the rise of toxins in food are large-scale commercial agriculture and commercial food processors. Factory farm waste and industrial by-products of plastics and petroleum also contribute to soil contamination and water pollution. Toxins are harmful because of the way they react in biochemical reactions within the body; any reaction can be ‘poisoned’ by different toxins. When these environmental toxins from commercial agriculture enter our food and water, they can directly damage DNA. Some toxins generate free radicals or are free radicals themselves, increasing our burden of oxidative stress –a major factor in diseases such as atherosclerosis and arthritis. Other toxins have the potential to mimic hormones in the human body, providing a direct link to hormonal cancers such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, and prostate cancer.

Certainly no one would ever intentionally drink or eat pesticides, chemicals, or industrial by-products, and yet we readily allow these toxic substances to enter our homes, our food, and our water supplies. We are not aware because the quantities are too small to see or taste. Measured independently, small doses of chemical toxins may not produce immediate adverse effects, but cumulatively the story may be quite different. The sheer numbers of potentially toxic molecules to which we are exposed on a daily basis is problematic. Fortunately, we are beginning to have some better choices. Natural and organic foods and chemical-free products are becoming more readily available everywhere.

REDUCING YOUR RISK

Local farms and farmer’s markets where fresh fruits and vegetables are displayed in open bins are often the best places to buy your food. When you go, bring your own cloth bags and a cooler for free-range meat. When shopping at a conventional supermarket, choose liquid food products in glass or paper containers whenever possible and avoid (to the extent practical) food products wrapped in plastic.

While many people feel that going organic is too expensive, the overall cost of natural and organic foods is less than you would think. Though the retail cost of such food steers many away, it is a matter of supply and demand: As organic food demand increases, the cost will gradually come down—and our total healthcare bills will also likely substantially decrease. In addition, a switch to eating organic means that our water supplies and the environment in general would be safer and cleaner, an added benefit for every living thing on the planet.

It’s important to remember that even organically grown food contains some natural toxins, and other toxins are difficult to eliminate from our soil and water. Many foods, even organically grown ones, have the potential to cause food sensitivities. A wide variety of medical conditions can be caused or aggravated by sensitivities to certain foods. So, beyond organic, the key to healthy eating is diversity. Eating a varied diet full of seasonal produce is a naturally healthy practice. Make a habit of buying locally grown food whenever it is available. This helps small farms and decreases transportation costs and associated pollution. Get to know local farmers, many of whom are making efforts to decrease pesticide use, even though they have not received official organic certification. It also makes sense to rotate food sources so as to reduce the cumulative impact of any one particular toxin that might be in a product.

Another way to reduce your toxin load from food is to avoid products that are directly encased in plastic (sometimes even organic foods come packaged in plastic). This may sound like paranoia, but the evidence linking chemicals in plastic to chronic disease and cancer is too great to ignore. Foods containing fats are especially vulnerable. Many chemicals in plastics and pesticides are hormonally active. Nicknamed “xeno estrogens,” these chemicals mimic estrogen in the body or affect the metabolism of estrogens, increasing the risk of hormonal cancers. Reducing exposure to xeno estrogens is one of the primary ways to reduce the risk of cancer. Cruciferous vegetables, essential fatty acids, ground sesame seeds and ground flax seeds are several important foods for augmenting the ability of the liver to metabolize estrogens and xeno estrogens in our “estrogen-dominated” environment.

Different fruits and vegetables are more susceptible to pesticide exposure than others. If you must pick and choose when to buy organic vs non-organic, the Environmental Working Group has determined which fresh fruits and vegetables have the most pesticide exposure and are the most important to buy organic. You should always buy organically grown fruits and vegetables on The ‘Dirty Dozen’ list. The ‘Clean Fifteen’ are fresh fruits and vegetables where choosing organic vs non-organic isn’t a high priority.

The short-term Stanford study on organics has come under attack from critics, being scrutinized on multiple levels -mostly for suggesting that organic food and conventional food offer the same health benefits. While the nutritional value of an organic cucumber and non-organic cucumber are indeed quite similar, the health benefit of going organic is much greater than for conventionally grown food. Nora Pouillon best explained the health benefits of organic vs non-organic in a related Washington Post article, saying “In reporting the study, the media used the words “healthy” and “nutritious” as if they were interchangeable. If a vegetable is “healthier” because it has more vitamins in it, as you might list them on a package, then no, organics don’t necessarily contain “significantly” more nutrients. But the nutritional content of a piece of produce isn’t what makes it “healthy.” To me, “healthy” means that we aren’t spraying toxic chemicals on the food we eat; we aren’t dousing agricultural workers with those poisons; and we aren’t depleting the earth with chemicals.”

Measuring the cummulative effect of food toxins on human health is extremely challenging, and this study does not have the power to answer the question adequately. While the claims made in the Stanford study on organics may have been a tiny bit reckless, we urge you to not be reckless with your health. Small, simple changes in your everyday life, like storing leftovers in glass containers instead of plastic or paying a bit extra for grass-fed beef, can equal big changes in your health, body, and mind. Remember, the normal level of any toxin in the human body is ZERO!

*We’d also like to note that the study did not cover the environmental effects of non-organic farming, the human health effects of agricultural chemicals leeching into groundwater, the effects of pesticides on farm workers, and the risks of non-organic farms serving as fertile breeding grounds for antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

about the author

Dr. Bill Rawls

Dr. Bill Rawls has practiced conventional medicine as a gynecologist for over 20 years and is also the co-founder and medical director of Vital Plan,
a wellness and herbal supplement company.

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Money-Back Guarantee

We want you to be delighted by your Vital Plan experience. If you are not happy with your purchase for any reason, email us at info@vitalplan.com or call 800-951-2414 to receive a Return Form.

We offer a 100% refund on unopened supplements within 90 days of purchase (minus Probiotic Blend), less the cost of shipping and handling. Refunds will be issued once we receive the returned products; any sales tax will be refunded in full.

For opened or used supplements, we offer a 50% refund within 90 days of purchase, less the cost of shipping and handling. Refunds will be issued once we receive the returned products; any sales tax will be refunded in full.

Program fees, books, and consultation calls are final sale.
These terms also apply to international returns.

Our Natural Approach

We use safe, all-natural herbs and ingredients that are bioavailable and readily absorbed by the body.

Safety Guarantee

Our products are manufactured in a Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) certified facility and are third-party tested multiple times during the manufacturing process. Our products are free of toxins and contaminants, and we never use ingredients known to have potential to cause harm.

Innovative and Effective Formulas

Our products are carefully created by practicing physicians and experts in herbal medicine. We pride ourselves on creating formulas that are driven by clinical research, using standardized ingredients.

Optimal Ingredient Amounts & Transparent Labels

We use optimal amounts of ingredients in our products. We clearly list each ingredient in our products, as well as the amount of each ingredient.

Simple and Easy-to-Use Product Line

Our products are meant to be complementary to each other, meaning you will not receive redundancy in ingredients unless such is intended.

Exceptional Customer Service

Our customer service team is glad to answer any questions or address any concerns that you may have. You can reach us by email at info@vitalplan.com or by phone at (800) 951-2414.

<div class=”modal_satisfaction”>
<div class=”modal_title2″></div>
<h3 style=”padding-top: 16px;”>Money-Back Guarantee</h3>
We want you to be delighted by your Vital Plan experience. If you are not happy with your purchase for any reason, email us at info@vitalplan.com or call 800-951-2414 to receive a Return Form.

We offer a 100% refund on unopened supplements within 90 days of purchase (minus Probiotic Blend), less the cost of shipping and handling. Refunds will be issued once we receive the returned products; any sales tax will be refunded in full.

For opened or used supplements, we offer a 50% refund within 90 days of purchase, less the cost of shipping and handling. Refunds will be issued once we receive the returned products; any sales tax will be refunded in full.

Program fees, books, and consultation calls are final sale.
These terms also apply to international returns.
<h3 style=”padding-top: 12px; font-size: 17px;”>Our Natural Approach</h3>
We use safe, all-natural herbs and ingredients that are bioavailable and readily absorbed by the body.
<h3 style=”padding-top: 12px; font-size: 17px;”>Safety Guarantee</h3>
Our products are manufactured in a Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) certified facility and are third party tested for safety and efficacy. Our products are free of toxins and contaminants, and we never use ingredients known to have potential to cause harm.
<h3 style=”padding-top: 12px; font-size: 17px;”>Innovative and Effective Formulas</h3>
Our products are carefully created by practicing physicians and experts in herbal medicine. We pride ourselves on creating formulas that are driven by clinical research, and we use standardized ingredients that have been proven effective in double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical studies.
<h3 style=”padding-top: 12px; font-size: 17px;”>Optimal Doses &amp; Transparent Labels</h3>
We use optimal amounts of ingredients in our products, meaning we include the same amount of ingredient that has demonstrated benefit in clinical studies. We clearly list each ingredient in our products, as well as the amount of each ingredient.
<h3 style=”padding-top: 12px; font-size: 17px;”>Simple and Easy-to-Use Product Line</h3>
Our products are meant to be complementary to each other, meaning you will not receive redundancy in ingredients unless for a targeted effect.
<h3 style=”padding-top: 12px; font-size: 17px;”>Exceptional Customer Service</h3>
Our customer service team is glad to answer any questions or address any concerns that you may have. You can reach us by email at info@vitalplan.com or by phone at (800) 951-2414.
<div class=”modal_title3″></div>
</div>

— SHIPPING & RETURNS —

Shipping & Delivery Terms

Placing & Tracking Orders
Vital Plan, Inc. strives to ship all orders within 24 hours of receipt. Orders placed before 12:00pm (EST) will ship out the same day and orders placed after 12:00pm (EST) will ship out the next day. Orders placed on Friday afternoon, Saturday, or Sunday will ship out the following Monday.

Once an order ships, you will receive an email with tracking information for your package. Please allow 5-7 business days for orders within the United States, 1-2 weeks to Canada, and 2-4 weeks to Europe.

Domestic Shipping & Handling Fees
All orders under the amount of $35 USD will be charged shipping as calculated by the US Postal Service. All orders over $35 will receive free USPS standard shipping for the 48 contiguous United States (excludes Alaska and Hawaii).

If you would like to expedite your shipping option, you may do so at checkout. To change the shipping carrier (to UPS or FedEx) for an additional fee, please email or call us with your order details as soon as possible; we will do our best to accommodate your needs.

International Shipping

We currently ship domestically within the United States, and to the following countries:

International shipping rates vary, based on weight and destination. Free shipping offers do not apply to international orders.

Sample shipping rates and estimated delivery (for 1 bottle):

United States

Canada

United Kingdom

France

Australia

Starting Rate

$4.95 (USD)

$13.75 (USD)

$19.33 (USD)

$19.33 (USD)

$19.33 (USD)

Estimated Delivery

5-7 Days

1-3 Weeks

1-3 Weeks

1-3 Weeks

1-3 Weeks

Regulations and Customs
The prices stated on vitalplan.com do not include or reflect any duties, insurance costs, value added taxes, tariffs, or local taxes. Vitalplan.com cannot anticipate or estimate these costs. As the customer, you are responsible for paying these costs; please review your country’s Customs information before placing an order with vitalplan.com.

As regulations of natural product sales change constantly, we also recommend that you check with your local authorities for information on regulations that may affect your ability to receive your order.

We are not able to issue a refund of any kind for orders seized or destroyed by Customs unless the order is returned back to our warehouse in an undamaged and resalable condition. Refunds issued will be for the cost of the supplements only; shipping costs will not be reimbursed.

By ordering from vitalplan.com, you agree to the policies above. Vitalplan.com reserves the right to change these policies at any time and retains the right to refuse service to any customer at its sole discretion.

Return Policy

If you are not completely satisfied with your purchase for any reason, email us at info@vitalplan.com or call 800-951-2414 to receive a Return Authorization Form.

We offer a 100% refund on unopened supplements (minus Probiotic Blend) within 90 days of purchase, less the cost of shipping and handling. Refunds will be issued once we receive the returned products; any sales tax will be refunded in full.

For opened or used supplements, we offer a 50% refund within 90 days of purchase, less the cost of shipping and handling. Refunds will be issued once we receive the returned products; any sales tax will be refunded in full. To be eligible for a refund, the supplements must be returned in their original packaging (bottles) with the Return Authorization Form.

Program fees, books, and consultation calls are final sale.
These terms also apply to international returns.

Eligible Products
Refunds are only applicable for supplements bought online at vitalplan.com. If you purchased a Vital Plan product from a healthcare provider or a retail location, please contact them to discuss a return. If you have any questions or you would like to report a negative experience with one of our retail partners, please contact us.

Multiple Return Requests
If more than one return is requested by an individual within a 12-month period, Vital Plan may use discretion in processing additional return requests to ensure honorable use of the return policy.

Misshipments & Defective Products
If products are missing from your order or you received products that you did not order please contact us at info@vitalplan.com or call 800-951-2414 and let us know.

If you receive a faulty product (broken seal or expired product), please take a photo and email it to info@vitalplan.com. We will do our best to remedy the situation as quickly as possible.

International shipping rates vary, based on weight and destination. Free shipping offers do not apply to international orders.

Sample shipping rates and estimated delivery (for 1 bottle):

United States

Canada

United Kingdom

France

Australia

Starting Rate

$4.95 (USD)

$13.75 (USD)

$19.33 (USD)

$19.33 (USD)

$19.33 (USD)

Estimated Delivery

5-7 Days

1-3 Weeks

1-3 Weeks

1-3 Weeks

1-3 Weeks

Regulations and Customs
The prices stated on vitalplan.com do not include or reflect any duties, insurance costs, value added taxes, tariffs, or local taxes. Vitalplan.com cannot anticipate or estimate these costs. As the customer, you are responsible for paying these costs; please review your country’s Customs information before placing an order with vitalplan.com.

As regulations of natural product sales change constantly, we also recommend that you check with your local authorities for information on regulations that may affect your ability to receive your order.

We are not able to issue a refund of any kind for orders seized or destroyed by Customs unless the order is returned back to our warehouse in an undamaged and resalable condition. Refunds issued will be for the cost of the supplements only; shipping costs will not be reimbursed.

By ordering from vitalplan.com, you agree to the policies above. Vitalplan.com reserves the right to change these policies at any time and retains the right to refuse service to any customer at its sole discretion.

Customer Support is available Monday-Friday, 9:00am to 6:00pm (EST).
Call us at 800-951-2414 or email info@vitalplan.com.